Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the North Fork Series and can be read as a stand-alone! Ugh it’s so good! The characters are well developed! The FMC and MMC have amazing chemistry! There’s even a little baby mama drama if you like reading about that! Will most definitely be going in for a series binge now that I’ve found this!!
Rocketship Made of Stars: Naming Constellations by Lois Wickstrom
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Rocketship Made of Stars (I am an Alien) by Lois Wickstrom
Rocketship Made of Stars is the second book in the I am an Alien series and is a wonderfully written children’s book that children of any age will enjoy reading. My son is in kindergarten and we are learning to read and he loved this book and we read it a few times in row so he could “read” it too. The colorful illustrations help to bring the story to life. Shirl and her alien friend go to school and the teacher asks Eee-aah where shes from so Eee-aah draws a map of the stats then draws a circle around the constellation that looks just like a rocketship. Eee-aah gives all the constellations names. But what will the teacher think of of the different names? My son and I highly recommend reading this cute little book . We love this author and look forward to reading many more
Born to Die by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
5 Star’s
Born to Die (The McIntire County Series Book 2) by Winter Austin
Born to Die is the second book in The McIntire County Series and follows from the first book Atonement but is a couple years out. Although this series can be read as standalones and each book is about a different set of characters, I would recommend reading this series in order as the characters overlap and you get to know the characters better us each book is just as good as the last. I literally read this in one afternoon because I got so caught up in the story, I couldn’t put it down. This is another intriguing Suspense Romance. This is Cassy and Boyce’s story. We met Cassy in the first book and we know she is Nic’s sister. Cassy has secrets from her past that left scars but what hurts the most is her heart and now its in jeopardy again as she’s been partnered up with Boyce the same man that broke her heart years ago. Boyce thought he was doing the right thing by walking away as he was doing it to save her from his mother who is behind his awful past. These two are teamed up to investigate a bunch of robberies that have taken place. Can she open her heart to him again? Can they move past their pasts ? I don’t want to give anything away. I highly recommend reading this book to find out what happens next. I’m ready for the next book in this series and look forward to many more books by this author.
Royally Complicated by Gwyn McNamee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Have you seen this cover !? Hello I’d also throw caution to the wind and down tequila! 🤣😉🫣
Fynix s the crown prince of Lovolia and is next in line to the throne . He’s not ready to be forced into a marriage of convince but his folks , especially his mum is adding pressure but he can be so rude in such a polite manner that has me in stitches and cheering him on 🤣🫣 he needs air and heads to his beach to catch a few waves and that’s exactly where he meets up with Bridget ….
Bridget is licking her wounds with her bestie at what would’ve been her honeymoon destination fortunately she dodged the bullet with that cheating no good for nothing but my heart does hurt for but she’s about to meet her own Prince Charming #forreals#
Now what can be better than bad tequila , deep conversation and a beach romp …
She’s pined over him for a year so she heads back to Lovolia to say farewell but again their paths cross and then there’s alot that happens , Fynix escapes Lev and the guards , when they do find him Bridget discovers who he really is and then the drama starts with Abigail , the rules of royalty , the revolt and my head is spinning but alls well that ends well 😉
I don’t like Abigail 🤮and have a few choice but unladylike descriptions, the queen really ruffled my feathers but don’t judge her harshly, be patient with her she’s actually a real sweetheart and after all the hoops these 2 had to go through they deserve their HEA 😍
Born to Die: The McIntire County Series: #2 by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love a good mystery series, and this gave me everything I wanted and more. Winter Austin is a genius when it comes to writing mystery books, she pulls you into the story right from the very beginning and starts making you doubt every single character that you read about, wondering who the killer may be. This book was fantastic, in the fact that it had me guessing throughout the story who the suspects were, and questioning if the suspects could be involved in both the bank robberies, the murder of the police officer as well as the small-town robberies. I loved getting to know Cassie more as well as getting an inside look into the inner workings of Boyd’s mind. I was so happy to see that we get to continue the story of our two lovebirds from the first book in this series as well as meet some new characters that had not been introduced as of yet. The intensity of this storyline was amazing, I am so excited to get started on the next book and see what lies ahead for our characters that we have learned to love. If you’re looking for a good mystery novel with suspense, romance, angst, family drama and so much more, this is the series for you!
@Brandy Rymer
09/2023
PREORDER 
When Holly Claus visits a small town in Oregon on one of her normal Cheer-collecting missions, she never imagines that everything she knew about holiday Cheer would be thrown out the sleigh.
Holly has always been efficient in her work of traveling around the world, collecting Cheer to power the North Pole and its dream-making operations there. But she’s never been quite as good at collecting it as her father was, and she’ll do anything to figure out why- including blending in in a small town full of Cheer.
Ash Hayes is working nonstop to build up his tourism business at The Emerald House in rural Oregon, even going so far as to enter the town in a Hallmark competition for Best Small Town Christmas Faire. Driven by a desire to make the town a desirable destination after his mom ran away from Emerald Hollow as a child, Ash feels like he has the future of the town riding on his shoulders.
When Ash and Holly meet, sparks fly, but she isn’t looking for love, and he isn’t looking for someone who leaves. Little do they know, magic may intervene in their carefully laid plans.
Holly’s arrival in town sets in motion a change in Holly’s Cheer magic that upends everything at the North Pole. If Holly doesn’t get to the bottom of what’s causing all the Cheer in Emerald Hollow, Christmas itself may be at stake.
In this sweet small-town twist on the classic Christmas tale, experience holiday magic like never before.
The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Secrets of Arkaim by B.E. Padgett is the second book in the The Reeds of West Hills series. It follows twin 11 year olds Jon and Frank as they enter their second year of school at a school for the perceptually gifted. As students work to win the Zodiac games, sickness strikes and a mysterious shadow follows around Jon.
I’ve not read anything by Ms. Padgett before but this book was captivating and fun to read. There were certainly some questions that I imagine would be answered if read in order but nothing that detracted from the story told here.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is a romantic tale of 2nd chances. Alexis and Jordan were made for each other. They weren’t ready the first time around.
Alexis “Lex” is a tour manager for a promotion company. And, she is really good at her job. Jordan is the frontman for the rock band Idol Rev. The band was gaining in popularity after a successful tour about a year ago when tragedy struck. Jordan stepped away from the band for about a year.
Idol Rev is gearing up for their comeback tour when their tour manager has to bow out due to family reasons. The promotion company’s owner, Lex’s boss, asks Lex to take over Idol Rev’s tour not knowing that Lex and Jordan have a history.
Five years after they broke up, Lex and Jordan are spending nearly 24/7 together, listening to their old relationship being sung out with each song. Old feelings reignite. Have they changed enough, grown up enough for this to have a fighting chance?
My heart cringes with some of Jordan’s choices. I just want to shake him with that one. When you read this book, you’ll know which one I am talking about. Wonderful story! Endearing characters. Worth the read!!
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Ignite My Heart (North Fork Series Book 2) by Alicia Street is a great contemporary romance
After serving as a bodyguard for prominent CEOs and celebrities, Morgan now runs a national protective services business that hires and trains bodyguards. He employs a friend’s sister since he urgently needs a live-in nanny. He regrets that it is only temporary because his daughter adores her. Worse still, so is he.Blake is attempting to rebuild her life after losing her job, but it is challenging to find employment as a classics teacher and her savings are running out quickly.
Every page had you hanging on every sentence and I couldn’t wait to see what would happen. It is a very unique story with even compelling people. The story really transports you into this world. I couldn’t put the book down.
Rogue Wolf by Lilliana Rose
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Rogue Wolf is the third and final installment of the Protector Wolf Shifter Series by Lilliana Rose. It’s the exciting, action-packed conclusion of Tamaska and Kodiak. Vampires at the door and the pack of Wolf shifters wakened doesn’t really suggest a good time for a blooming romance.
Still plan to read this series in order or you’ll miss some of the most important dynamics. This one was the hardest for me because of some sheer pig-head decisions but I also couldn’t put it down and risk missing the end. Still a great series if you enjoy a good urban fantasy mixed with supernatural.
Reviewed by @WhisperHymer
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So I’ve always had a love for the Manhattan project for WWII, and I JUMPED at the chance to read this book when I saw it. It’s obvious the author knows what he’s talking about and he’s very clear and concise about everything that he writes. It is a crash course in the physics and the department of nuclear research and energy sources, but the way it’s written makes a lot of sense to me. I very much enjoyed this book and I’m looking forward to checking out some more of his works!
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Contemporary crime thriller
The second book in the Trentbridge Tales, Lucky Break brings another investigation for James Sheldon. Even though this can be read as a stand-alone there is an ongoing sub-plot that carries over from book 1. James finds himself thrust into a dangerous underworld where danger lurks around every corner as he tries to solve a murder. I thoroughly enjoyed the plot, with the unpredictable storyline and engaging narrative. Looking forward to the next instalment. Recommend.
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Just like the first book in the Trentbridge Tales Series, the author writes in a way to keep us readers on our toes and looking forward to what comes next. This second book starts out with us meeting Peter Moore, who takes us on a intriguing ride about antique items and art, specifically paintings. The story takes us on twists and turns we didn’t expect and keeps us reading more.
The author does a great job world and character building. I really appreciated seeing characters from the first book joining in this second book.
Mr Lucky by Lee Wood
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The first book in the Trentbridge Tales Series. I enjoyed reading the story from the beginning where we learn what caused James Sheldon to end up living in the streets for 10 months. The former detective was doing well until tragedy struck in the form of a car accident involving James’ wife and children.
The world building was well written taking us from James’ home, to the streets, and how a chance meeting ends up brining him out of the life on the streets.
The characters introduced through the story was also wonderfully written. I love crime mysteries and this one didn’t disappoint. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the second book in the North Fork series yet can easily be read as a standalone. A very well written contemporary romance with some added baby mama drama. This is Blake and Morgan’s story, and it is sweet, and they have great chemistry. All the characters are well written and mostly enjoyable. I was very easily drawn into this story and didn’t want to put it down till I was done. definitely recommend.
Great characters with a flowing storyline. Fast pace read, the author draws you in and keeps you engaged to the end. Full of family drama, life challenges and lots of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this author’s books. I would recommend this author to anyone who likes to escape the afternoon away.
The Mother’s Threat by Susan Specht Oram
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Great characters with a flowing storyline. Fast pace read, the author draws you in and keeps you engaged to the end. Full of family drama, life challenges and lots of emotions. I really enjoyed reading this author’s books. I would recommend this author to anyone who likes to escape the afternoon away.
The Hand of God: From Oppenheimer to Hypersonics – A Crash Course on Nuclear Weapons and Humankind’s Most Dangerous Game by Paul McCarthy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
The Hand of God by Paul McCarthy is a fascinating and equally concerning look into the dangerous world of Nuclear Weaponry. The impact that this could have on the human race and our world as we know it is terrifying, and to think we don’t hardly bat an eyelash anymore at the mention of nuclear war is just frightening to me personally. ‘Why are there not more people paying closer attention’, is a thought that frequented my mind as I read along. There is a lot to unpack here and I mean is that we all should really be doing our due diligence as a human race to protect ourselves from this madness. Well written, well researched. I appreciate everything the author did here and I look forward to future writings.
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved the passion Morgan has to protect his daughter as the chemistry builds between he and Blake. The characters deserved happiness and one another. This is a must read and fun to unravel. Check it out, you won’t be disappointed.
A Death on Fools Lane by Jane Suen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love a Eve Sawyer cozy mystery and so was looking forward to this latest story in the series, and I was not disappointed. Being back with college student and amateur sleuth Eve Sawyer is like seeing an old friend, and I always enjoy investigating alongside her. This time Eve is looking forward to a fun winter vocation with her friends, but it’s not long until a dog sniffs out a dead body, and it’s hanging from a tree in the yard where they are staying. Eve can’t say no when the dead man’s grieving mother asks her to investigate whether it was suicide or murder, and so along with her friends they try to solve the mystery. Eve is determined to discover the truth so she can give the victims family the answers they need, but someone is not happy with her investigating and she soon finds herself in danger. As usual the descriptive narrative brings both the characters and the setting to life, making me feel immersed in the story. The storyline had me hooked throughout and the plot twists kept me guessing as to the outcome of the mystery. An enjoyable and engaging read and I look forward to being back with Eve again soon.
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Second chance romance. Jordan is the front man for a band getting ready to go back on tour. Lex is the woman whose heart he broke, and the best tour manager in the business. Coming back together after their past in order to make this the best tour yet, will they be able to work together? Or will they have trouble staying apart?
With a past including the general story of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, Jordan and Lex have chemistry that is off the charts. When they come back into each others orbit to handle the tour, they both take notice of just how great the other looks. Jordan broke her heart once, will she let him back in, or keep him at arms length? Will Jordan be able to get control of his choices and company to prove to Lex that he’s serious?
I enjoyed the myriad of supporting characters and the emotion behind the storyline. There was a lot of tension and misunderstandings, passion and insecurity, jealousies and drama.
Killer Smile by Allan Evans
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I love how this book combined an intense and interesting thriller with a more modern approach to crime. The incorporation of the dark web into an intriguing crime story made for a really great story. The moments of light heartedness and amusement really gave an extra depth to the book that made it all the more enjoyable.
The characters were easy to connect with and well developed. The more the story went on the more I found them characters I wanted to know about. This is the kind of book that hooks you in from the beginning and doesn’t let go until the end. This is a fantastic story that I would certainly recommend.
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend: A story about pet loss and saying goodbye to a furry friend. Ages 5-11 and kindergarten through grade 5. by Terri Sabol
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Oscar and Emmy love playing with their friend Shadow through the window every night. Th play hide and seek before Shadow goes to the front door to get some food from the family.
However, Shadow begins coming straight to the door, then eating less and the kids notice that something is wrong. Mom and the kids take Shadow to the vet and they’re told she’s sick and will die.
Oscar and Emmy Lose a Friend is such a sweet and lovely story about their friend getting sick and passing away. I definitely cried but I will be getting a physical copy for my child when he’s older since we have cats that will be old before he’s ready.
I think it explains euthanasia is a very kid friendly and age appropriate way for young kids. It has a sweet tribute to the cat lost and opens up conversation if more discussion is needed. I love Oscar and Emmy so much!
Lucky Break by Lee Wood
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Lucky Break (Trentbridge Tales Book 2) by Lee Wood. This is such a good book. Its the 2nd installment of the Trentbridge Tales Series and I highly recommend reading the first book to understand the characters better. Its the ongoing story of James Winston who is a detective who has had a hard road. He is a very dedicated detective now and is on top of this new case. It involves the art world and a man named Peter Winston-Moore who has discovered a Picasso and has finally caught a break. He is now a real player in the art world. When he tells all the other dealers he found this Picasso at a thrift store they don’t believe him and they are on the hunt for where he really got it. When someone is murdered everything shifts. Will James be able to find out who the murderer is before there are more bodies found? Will Peter make it out of this situation alive. Just when he finally makes it things go South and fast. I love these fast paced thrillers and can’t wait to read the next one!
When We Fell Again: An angsty, second chance rockstar romance by Julie Archer
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
When We Fell Again by Julie Archer. This is a second chance rock n roll romance. Its the story of Alex (Lex) who has been given the opportunity to be a tour manager for a rock group and she’s all excited about it until she finds out its her ex’s band. Jordan is in one of the most popular rock bands in the world and he is excited to go back on tour until he finds out Lex his ex is going to be their manager. As they become reacquainted feelings reemerge and Jordan is ready to be in a relationship again but Lex is very hesitant. She doesn’t want to get hurt again and she doesn’t know if she’s ready for this kind of life. That’s the trouble with second chances there are all the old insecurities and memories of all the bad. When Jordan’s past comes back to haunt him will it scare Lex off or will she stand by him. The is such a good second chance love story.
Ignite My Heart by Alicia Street
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book. I liked the dynamic between Blake and Morgan. There was a good plot and felt that all loose ends were tied up. I would definitely read more by this author. I liked the writing style.
A Forever Kind of Thing by Carrie Thomas
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
A Forever Kind Of Thing by Carrie Thomas & Melinda Harris- 5 out of 5 stars
SUPER CUTE! This book is a truly adorable YA romance between Mina and Wes. They went from grade school best friends, to something so much more than they expected. Can true love conquer all? Definitely a must read for all ages.
Atonement by Winter Austin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Atonement: The McIntire County Series by Winter Austin- 5 out of 5 stars
I laughed, cried, got angry, and fell in love with the folks of McIntire County! The author did an incredible job diving into the mind of someone affected by PTSD. Very well written. I loved the fact that the characters weren’t perfect and they had relatable emotional issues. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Having read the first book I couldn’t wait to get into this book because I had questions that needed answering …….
Liam and Ali didn’t have an easy life as children and now that they’re grown up he takes the chance to explore life and the world only to get blown u in a terrorist attack , believed to be dead and how do you walk away from something like workout scars ?!
Liam goes to spend time with Ali and her family and this is where his path crosses with Teresa who is licking her wounds and on the run so to speak but she grows on you so just be patient and reserve judgment all is not what it seems 🤫😉
Did I enjoy it ? Yes ! Will I tell others about it ? Yes
Looking forward to more from Cat ❣️📚
The Guardsman by Cat Treadgold
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I love the mystery of Liam. The back and forth between Liam and Theresa is very realistic and I love the ending. The way The Silent Woodsman transitions into The Guardsman is seamless. Almost like they are a part one and part two of a movie. I can’t wait for the next one!